Meeting to outline health district’s $2 million budgetary shortfall

SPOKANE, Wash.  – Oct 17, 2011 – On Thurs., Oct 20, 2011, community partners and residents will have an opportunity to learn more about Spokane Regional Health District’s (SRHD) proposed 2012 budget, during an informational presentation in the SRHD Auditorium, 1101 West College Ave., from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

Challenged by decreased funding and increased costs, SRHD is proposing a reduction in services and staff to make up for a $2 million budgetary shortfall. Suggested cuts include components of SRHD’s Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) program and elimination of the SRHD Water Laboratory. Staff from these programs are part of a proposed 8 percent decrease in full-time equivalent (FTE) employees. 

Torney Smith, SRHD administrator, and Mike Riley, SRHD comptroller, will present information at the meeting that outlines the health district’s budgeting process, including sources of this year’s $2 million shortfall and process for how decisions are made. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers at the end of the presentation. 

The board’s Budget and Finance committee preliminary approved the budget on Oct. 7. It will now be considered by the SRHD Board of Health at its regularly scheduled meeting on Oct. 27, 2011 at 12:30 p.m. in the SRHD Auditorium at 1101 West College Ave. This meeting is open to the public and there will be opportunity for public input. 

For additional information on the 2012 budget, please read the enclosed 2012 Budget Quick Facts and FAQs. Or visit the SRHD website at www.srhd.org. Despite funding woes, the site also offers comprehensive, updated information about Spokane Regional Health District and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community.